rigidity /ri·gid·i·ty/ (rĭ-jid´ĭ-te) inflexibility or stiffness.
decerebrate rigidity.
decerebrate [de-ser´ĕ-brāt]
clasp-knife rigidity increased tension in the extensors of a joint when it is passively flexed, giving way suddenly on exertion of further pressure.
cogwheel rigidity tension in a muscle which gives way in little jerks when the muscle is passively stretched.
decerebrate rigidity rigid extension of an animal's legs as a result of decerebration; occurring in humans as a result of lesions in the upper brainstem.
decerebrate rigidity.
decerebrate [de-ser´ĕ-brāt]
1. to eliminate cerebral function by transection of the brainstem or ligation of the common carotid arteries and basilar artery at the center of the pons.
2. a laboratory animal so prepared.
decerebrate rigidity a posture found in those with lesions of the upper part of the brainstem or severe bilateral lesions of the cerebrum; the patient lies in rigid extension with the arms internally rotated at the shoulders, elbows, knees, and hips extended, and fingers, ankles, and toes flexed. The jaw may be clenched with the neck hyperextended. Called also decerebrate posturing. 
Decerebrate rigidity (or posturing).
rigidity [rĭ-jid´ĭ-te]
inflexibility or stiffness.
clasp-knife rigidity increased tension in the extensor of a joint when it is passively flexed, giving way suddenly on exertion of further pressure; seen especially in upper motor neuron disease. Called also clasp-knife reflex.
cogwheel rigidity tension in a muscle that gives way in little jerks when the muscle is passively stretched; seen in parkinson's disease.
decerebrate rigidity see decerebrate rigidity.
decorticate rigidity see decorticate rigidity.
paratonic rigidity an intermittent abnormal increase in resistance to passive movement in a comatose patient.
decerebrate
to eliminate cerebral function by transecting the brainstem or by ligating the common carotid arteries and basilar artery at the center of the pons; an animal so prepared, or a brain-damaged animal with similar neurological signs.
decerebrate rigidity
rigid extension of the limbs as a result of decerebration; also occurs as a result of lesions in the upper brainstem.
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